Custom cosmetic blending machine

ABSTRACT

A spectrophotometer  300 , webcam  302  or other instrument measures the color composition and texture of a person&#39;s face  400  or other body part. A computer system  301  includes a processor  501  and a non-transitory, non-signal computer readable medium  500  containing machine readable instructions that accept data from a spectrophotometer  300  or like instrument and uses a main executable program  502  and a subroutine  504  for color analysis to derive a mix of color to create a cosmetic product matching or enhancing the color composition and/or texture of the person&#39;s face or other body part. Customer skin color may be custom matched on the fly and specifically formulated and created. Or, a database of approximately 22,000 human skin colors may be drawn upon to find a best match for a customer&#39;s skin color. A color from the database may then be custom formulated and dispensed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This utility application is based upon U.S. utility application Ser. No.13/896,557 filed on May 17, 2013 which is a continuation in part of U.S.utility application Ser. No. 13/621,732 filed on Sep. 17, 2012. Thecontents of the related patent applications are incorporated herein byreference as if restated herein. If any conflict arises between thedisclosure in this utility application and that in the relatedapplications, the disclosure in this utility application shall govern.Moreover, the inventor incorporates herein by reference any and allpatents, patent applications, and other documents hard copy orelectronic, cited or referred to in this application and the relatedapplications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The invention generally relates to custom cosmetic coloring systems.More particularly, the invention relates to means and methods ofcreating custom cosmetic products having colors matched to a consumer'sindividual skin color by custom skin color analysis, color blending anddispensing machines, and client data network utilization.

(2) Description of the Related Art

Today's cosmetic markets produce and sell just a small subset ofavailable colors. The known related art fails to anticipate or disclosethe principles of the present invention.

In the related art, a past company called Prescriptives, which is nowowned by Estee Lauder, used a “Hand Making” custom blending foundation.This service is no longer offered. The past Hand Making servicecomprised the creating of a wide range of colors beyond that of theirstandard on the shelf stock color foundations. The mixed colors wereprinted upon a color chart, and the color chart was placed next to awoman's face to find the closest color match. This process is similar towhat women now do to find the closest color of stock items. The creationof a color was made with a white base container with a pump as well asother pigment containers with pumps. A pigment ratio chart was used tomake the selected color; pigments were pumped according to the ratiochart. The final mixture was mixed and shaken by hand. Prescriptivesused #1 to #7 range of light to dark pre-mixed white bases.

Due to human hand mixing with eyeball judgment, Prescriptives' operatorshad to make several attempts to obtain a suitable color match. Such atrial and error method resulted in tremendous of material and customergoodwill. As each color matching attempt would consume 30 to 45 minutescustomers became disenchanted with the prior art.

In a somewhat related field, paint dispensers may be found in retailestablishments such as Home Depot, Lowe's and Dunn Edwards paint stores.Customers in such stores select a color from a color fan deck. A storeworker enters the color number into a machine and pigment dispensersdrop pigment into a waiting container of white paint base. The containerlid is then closed and a machine vigorously mixes the paint. Some storeshave pre-equipped stationary scanner where customer's desired colorsample is held up under, and the scanner finds the closest color tomatch. Paint industry use larger quantity of paint base and pigmentslike quart to 5 gallon units.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,622,692 by Rigg granted on Apr. 22, 1997 discloses asystem storing a finite number of pre-fabricated skin color formulas anda mapping function wherein each customer is assigned a pre-fabricatedformula that is a “best fit” to the customer. The '692 patent fails torecognize that every individual has unique skin color components.Today's discerning consumers eschew the cookie cutter approach of the'692 patent.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,785,960 by Rigg granted on Jul. 28, 1998 disclosesmethods and general purpose computer machinery to remotely store andtransmit customer color information. The “telemodem program” and othercomponents of the '960 patent are no longer relevant with the advent ofon-site color analysis.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,903,465 by Brown granted on May 11, 1999 purports todisclose “means” of obtaining a customer's undefined “optimal formula.”The '465 patent contains an excellent wish list of features but fails todisclose sufficient detail to allow one reasonable skilled in the art tomake a color system.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,945,112 by Flynn granted on Aug. 31, 1999 disclosesmethods of adjusting red, yellow and white color components in a effortto reduce the visual hardship of viewing acne, rosacea and other skinanomalies. The '112 patent attempts to obtain a modified color formulathat does not naturally exist upon the patient. The '112 system leads tounnatural color applications.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,437,866 B1 by Flynn granted on Aug. 20, 2002 disclosesan indirect method of matching color by measuring skin color, using acomputer program and screen to display the measured skin color incomparison to the customer's face. Flynn then presents various pre-mixedcosmetics for selection by the customer. While Flynn may artfullypresent pre-made or off the shelve cosmetics to a consumer, Flynn failsto mention or anticipate means or methods to create custom productsmatching the skin tones of a customer.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,510,366 by Murray granted on Jan. 21, 2003 discloses amechanically complex pump system used to dispense cosmetics. The pump ofthe '366 patent features an internal piston system with a pivot thatfacilitates reciprocating and rotation motions. The pump of the '366patent is expensive to construct and difficult to maintain due to thenumber and complexity of its moving parts. Moreover, the '366 pump needscomplete cleaning after each use.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,603,550 B1 by Flynn et al granted on Aug. 5, 2003discloses a handheld skin color measuring device attached to a computer.The system measures a customer's skin color and then recommendspre-existing products having similar colors. The '550 patent eschewscustom color manufacturing as being too expensive and time consuming.Thus, there is room in the art for efficient, accurate, quick andeconomical means of customer color analysis and means of custom colorproduct production.

U.S. patent application 2002/0179639 A1 by Bartholomew et al publishedon Dec. 5, 2002 discloses an interactive custom cosmetic powder colorand effects dispensing system. But, Bartholomew fails to disclose orconsider non-powder applications and fails to disclose liquidapplications, such as those presented in the present application.Moreover, Bartholomew fails to disclose just how colors are blended orhow colors are targeted for blending.

U.S. patent application 2003/0090176 A1 by Bartholomew et al publishedon May 15, 2003 attempts to disclose a system for cosmetics point ofsale display and cosmetics dispensing. Here again, actual means of colorcapture and/or color production of liquids are not disclosed.

U.S. patent application 2009/0210322 A1 by Stark published on Aug. 20,2009 merely discloses a mental process of mixing elements, shaking,applying the compound to the customer, waiting five minutes and lookingat the color. Stark fails to disclose any enabling means ofautomatically matching products to customer skin color. Moreover, Starkfails to disclose, suggest or anticipate means of dealing withnon-powder ingredients.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,177,093 B1 by Lombardi et al granted on Jan. 23, 2001and U.S. Pat. No. 6,284,228 B1 by Markowitz et al granted on Sep. 4,2001 disclose color blending by use of pellets of colors but fail todisclose or suggest means or methods of creating true custom colors byuse of dynamic quantity control of color elements. The use of pelletspresents a short fall in the art as color creation is limited inincrements equal to the size of the pellets. There is no way to createcolors that occur between pellet sizes.

A system sometimes called Microskin™ comprises material applied to skinto cover skin blemishes. The color of the material may be based upon ascan of the consumer's skin. But, Microskin™ fails to disclose means ormethods of applying makeup or deriving makeup color.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes shortfalls in the related art bypresenting an unobvious and unique combination and configuration ofmethods and components to seamlessly match a customer's facial colorwith cosmetic color. Embodiments of the invention include customblending for foundations, tinted moisturizer, concealers, primers,powder, blushes, shimmers, lipstick, lip gloss, eye shadows and otherproducts in very minuscule volume such as a ½ ounce to 1 ounce unit withextreme accuracy of bases, blenders/pigments, thinner, moisturizer andadditives measured and dispensed in micro milliliter to milliliterunits.

The invention overcomes shortfalls in the related art by using variousdevices such as spectrophotometers, cameras, or webcams to measure skincolor and to report precise percentages of all relevant color componentsor light frequencies using custom software. For added accuracy, two orthree separate locations upon a customer's face may be measured in orderto derive a best average, or averaging feature software may be utilized.Accuracy is further enhanced by using lighting from light frequenciesapproximating natural day light. However, excellent results have beenobtained by taking readings from just one area of a customer's skin. Thedisclosed systems are refined enough to achieve unexpectedly goodresults from readings obtained from just one point of reference.

Embodiments of the present invention overcome short falls in the art bydiscovery of an unobvious combination of medical peristaltic pumps,tapered nozzle needles, triangle nozzle needles, canister caps withagitator rods and end plates and other components that provideunexpected results. Some embodiments do not use an agitator. Someembodiments use tapered nozzle needles. Some embodiments use bent nozzleneedles to help control the flow of material.

Embodiments of the present invention overcome short falls in the art byuse of color chat cameras used in combination with live help sessionswherein operators of a disclosed system communicate in real time withconsumers. Thus, consumers may have their skin colors scanned remotelyduring live consultations wherein consumers and instructed as to properlighting and body positioning to obtain a correct color scan.Embodiments of color chat cameras are sometimes known as webcams andsimilar devices. The disclosed use of webcams allows operators of thesystem to provide real time instructions to consumers so that consumerswill present their faces to the webcams in the best possible light,focus and angle. On the system side, an operator may adjust webcamimages to more accurately obtain a true color sample. The webcamembodiments also work well in a retain or store setting wherein acustomer will sit in front of a webcam and receive face to faceinstructions from a worker in the retail store. In addition to webcams,smart phones and similar devices may be used to obtain skin color and/orskin texture information.

In the prior art, liquid cosmetic products such as foundation,concealer, primer, tinted moisturizer, and the like are riddled with airholes trapped within thick viscosity and typically clog dispensingnozzles. Prior art dispensing machines for liquid cosmetic products failto control the starting and stopping of product dispensed from nozzles.

Embodiments of the disclosed mixing and dispensing system fulfill a longfelt need in the art that has gone unsatisfied to date. For example,while many paint colorization and dispensing systems may be observed inmany home improvement establishments, the high air bubble content andhigh viscosity of liquid cosmetics has prevented the proliferation ofanalogous dispensing systems in cosmetic establishments.

The disclosed embodiments represent results that far surpass the productof normal or routine experimentation by those reasonably skilled in theart. Components and methods from unrelated disciplines were combined inunobvious and counter intuitive ways to derive the disclosed systems andmethods.

Embodiments of the invention also include the use of custom software andcustom pigment dispensers.

Embodiments of the invention comprise three software modules, storedupon non-transitory computer readable mediums. A custom foundationsoftware module analyzes, calculates and formulates precise compositionsof scanned skin color by use of spectrophotometers, cameras or webcamsto obtain breakdown percentages of the color pigment/blenders used tocustom blend foundation and other custom cosmetic products.

A device driver custom software module receives the formulationsoftware's color pigment/blenders' blending information to command thefirmware of the custom cosmetic blending and dispensing machine, andoperate the disclosed machinery accordingly.

A custom client file software module accepts all information of eachcustomer and issues a Client ID card with customer number, and sends allinformation of the customer including her custom formulation analysis tothe company's main server by remote network so that all store locationscan share all customers' information, and that each customer can orderher custom blending product from store location or even online at thecompany's website.

Dispensers for color blenders are used to dispense minuscule quantitiesof color blenders and base in waiting containers. In certainembodiments, containers of various sizes including 0.5 to 1.0 ounces.Such products include foundation, concealer, primer, tinted moisturizerand others.

The disclosed Custom Color Blending and Dispenser Machine may blendcustom color within a container that is either pre-filled or notpre-filled with base material. All materials (bases and color blenders)used in this invention are homogenized for best mixing result andavoiding separation.

Each dispenser may be filled with color blenders or other materials suchas thinners for a thin (sheer) or medium coverage foundation ormoisturizer additives to make dry and combination types of foundation.Thus, a water base thinner with preservative may be added to afoundation to create a more natural look (sheer or medium coverage) asopposed to a thick or heavy “caked-up” foundation, which is also calledfull coverage. The moisturizer additives may be comprised of water basedmoisturizing material and used to supplement dry or combination types offoundation as opposed to an oily type foundation. Thus, embodiments ofthe invention can not only formulate and dispense each woman'sindividual custom color product, but also can satisfy each customer'scomplicated multiple requirements including coverage choices and skintype choices accurately and in several minutes in front of customers.

The software may be used to calibrate the machinery and to derive theprecise quantities, densities and viscosities of material used to makecustom color make-up products.

In one disclosed process, containers, often 0.5 to 1.0 ounces are filledwith white base make-up products. A color measuring device such as aspectrophotometer, camera or webcam may be used to measure colorcompositions of skin color in calibration with off the shelf colorsoftware such as Photoshop™ and the disclosed custom software, themeasured skin color components are transmitted into a computer controlunit having access to the color blenders, bases, thinner, andmoisturizing additive dispensers. Using the color composition analysisfrom the coloring measuring device, color blenders, bases, with orwithout thinner or moisturizing additives are dispensed to thecontainers.

The containers may include steel, plastic, ceramic, glass or other typesof balls. Such weight balls are helpful in thoroughly blending andmixing the contents of a container. Embodiments of the invention includethe use of high frequency and vibration mixer/shakers of multipleshaking angles, distances and directions in the mixing process to obtainoptimal mixing results.

The disclosed software and machinery systems include means and methodsfor entry and storage of a customer's name, address, phone number, coloranalysis report, purchase records, names of products purchased and otherinformation. The software may be executed within a personal computerusing a monitor, barcode scanner, label printer and customers' personalID card printer. The software facilitates the printing of labels to beaffixed to each finished container and/or the customer ID cards usefulto customers at other store locations and online purchase websites. Allproduct and customer information may be shared from store to store via aPC network.

Embodiments of the invention also match not only skin color but alsoskin type with the term “skin type” defined on a gradation scale rangingfrom oily skin, medium skin to dry skin. A skin type is matched byadjusting the amount of moisturizer material and by adjusting thecoverage. The coverage may be adjusted by dispensing different amountsof thinner. The term “sheer overage” sometimes refers a mixture havingan amount of thinner.

Disclosed embodiments overcome shortfalls in the art by use of parasiticpumps, an efficient temperature regulation system keeping the system ator above 67 F, a sanitary tub system keeping the nozzles and otherapertures clean between uses without the need for hand cleaning, anelevator assembly, conveyor assembly and sensor system to automaticallyaccept receiving containers of differing dimensions and other features.

Disclosed embodiments overcome shortfalls in the art by use of a generalspectrometer device and machine readable instructions to obtain consumerdata and using the machine readable instructions to analyze a consumer'sskin conditions such as hydration, aging, damage, UV damage and usingthe machine readable instructions to custom formulate a product such asa moisturizer, rejuvenating material, anti-aging material, and UV damagerepair material.

Disclosed embodiments include the use of a database of approximately2,000 human skin colors, the database in communication with theprocessor and the machine readable instructions including interpolationinstructions to produce approximately 20,000 additional colors.

Disclosed embodiments include the use of a database of approximately ofapproximately 22,000 human skin colors, the database in communicationwith the processor and the machine readable instructions includinginstructions to measure customer skin color and then match the measuredskin color to the closest color in the database and then individuallycustom formulate and dispense the closest color. This embodiment is farafield from the related art wherein the creation of the human skincolors in the database is a product of preprograming or predeterminedcolor formulations.

Disclosed embodiments include the use of hard plastic type material ormake up pouches sometimes made and used for one time use and designed toavoid human contamination. Such hard make up pouches overcome shortfallsin the art wherein collapsible pouches are used.

Disclosed embodiments include the use of machine readable instructionsdriving dispensing mechanisms to have various choices or options infilling end product containers. Such options include the discharge ofall material at once, the discharge of materials in a group sequence,the discharge of materials one at a time.

These and other objects and advantages will be made apparent whenconsidering the following detailed specification when taken inconjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A depicts a perspective view of a custom cosmetic mixer anddispenser

FIG. 1B depicts a perspective view of a custom cosmetic mixer anddispenser

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of a case used to cover a customcosmetic mixer and dispenser

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of a custom cosmetic mixer anddispenser

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of shaker

FIG. 5A depicts a perspective view of a peristaltic pump

FIG. 5B depicts a sectional view of a peristaltic pump

FIG. 5C depicts a sectional view of a peristaltic pump

FIG. 6 depicts a container of custom mixed cosmetic product

FIG. 7 depicts a first needle nozzle

FIG. 8 depicts a second needle nozzle

FIG. 9 depicts a third needle nozzle

FIG. 10 depicts a hand held spectrophotometer

FIG. 11 depicts a webcam

FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a disclosed system

FIG. 13 is a schematic of a disclosed system

FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of a disclosed system

FIG. 15 depicts a perspective view of a disclosed system

FIG. 16 depicts a bent or curved needle embodiment

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS

-   -   8 automatic balance level sensors    -   9 canister cap and agitator rod assembly    -   10 automatic loader and unloader assembly    -   12 LED lights within the case or frame    -   13 exterior cover    -   200 vibrator and shaker machine    -   201 holding carriage of vibrator and shaker machine    -   202 holding strap of vibrator and shaker machine    -   300 hand held color spectrophotometer    -   301 computer system    -   302 webcam    -   350 peristaltic pump representation    -   351 stepper motors    -   352 a sectional view of a peristaltic pump    -   353 a sectional elevation view of a peristaltic pump    -   354 peristaltic pump made by Watson Marlow    -   370 needle nozzle representation    -   371 a first embodiment of a needle nozzle    -   372 a second embodiment of a needle nozzle    -   373 a third embodiment of a needle nozzle    -   374 a forth embodiment of a needle nozzle as found in FIG. 1A    -   375 flexible tubing    -   376 canister used to hold cosmetic material    -   377 an assembly of a plurality of needle nozzles positioned to        fit within one container opening    -   400 human face    -   450 database of customer information    -   500 non-transitory non-signal computer readable medium    -   501 processor    -   502 main executable program    -   503 a general spectrophotometer device such as a webcam    -   504 subroutine for color analysis, derives mix of color    -   505 machine readable instructions for the firmware of a cosmetic        blending machine    -   506 subroutine to manipulate customer data to generate        information to print on a label and to transmit over a network    -   507 a network with may be connected to other cosmetic mixing        systems    -   508 an embodiment of a custom cosmetic blending machine    -   509 a label printer    -   510 a container of custom color mixed cosmetics    -   511 a label generated by a label printer    -   512 a container of custom color mixed cosmetics with a label        applied    -   600 a container of custom color mixed cosmetics with a brand        label    -   700 a disclosed embodiment with a sanitary tub elevator    -   710 platform with adjustable height to accommodate containers of        different heights    -   720 area reserved for stepper motor used to move the elevator        assembly    -   730 elevator assembly sometimes used to move platform 710    -   740 sensors used to detect height of container to accept product    -   750 loader assembly, sometimes brings the platform in and out to        the elevator    -   800 a curved needle embodiment

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is directed to certain specificembodiments of the invention. However, the invention can be embodied ina multitude of different ways as defined and covered by the claims andtheir equivalents. In this description, reference is made to thedrawings wherein like parts are designated with like numeralsthroughout.

Unless otherwise noted in this specification or in the claims, all ofthe terms used in the specification and the claims will have themeanings normally ascribed to these terms by workers in the art.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in a sense of “including,but not limited to.” Words using the singular or plural number alsoinclude the plural or singular number, respectively. Additionally, thewords “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when usedin this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and notto any particular portions of this application.

The above detailed description of embodiments of the invention is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, theinvention are described above for illustrative purposes, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention,as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, whilesteps are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments mayperform routines having steps in a different order. The teachings of theinvention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not only thesystems described herein. The various embodiments described herein canbe combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes canbe made to the invention in light of the detailed description.

Any and all the above references and U.S. patents and applications areincorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can bemodified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions and concepts ofthe various patents and applications described above to provide yetfurther embodiments of the invention.

These and other changes can be made to the invention in light of theabove detailed description. In general, the terms used in the followingclaims, should not be construed to limit the invention to the specificembodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above detaileddescription explicitly defines

FIG. 1A shows a working embodiment of the present invention whichincludes automatic balance level sensors 8, canister cap and agitatorrod assemblies 9, an automatic loader and unloader assembly 10, aplurality of peristaltic pumps 351 connected to a plurality of needlenozzles. The assembly of needle nozzles 377 is arranged such that allnozzles point to a center location acceptable to dispense cosmeticmaterial into a container. Some embodiments do no use an agitator.

Flexible tubing 375 connects a plurality of canisters 376 to theplurality of peristaltic pumps 351.

Automatic balance level sensors 8 are equipped to provide an alert whenmaterial in a canister reaches a low level. Firmware or other programswithin a computer or other machine system may send a warning signal orgraphic to a PC monitor. Without this sensor, an empty container may gounnoticed and a batch or run will be wasted.

Canister caps with agitator rod and end plate 9 are sometimes used tokeep the inside canister clean and to prevent airflow. Materials can dryup and form solidified surface inside canister if air flows freely. Eachtime the cap is opened the agitator rod and end plate mix the material.Embodiments of the device work with or without an agitator.

The invented automatic loader and unloader 10 loads an empty containerat the front opening and sends the container back to the preciseposition under all nozzles each time, and after dispensing is completed,the container will be sent back to the front opening. If no container isloaded, the machine will alert and not start dispensing. The nylonholder is designed to accommodate three different container shapes.

FIG. 1B is a close up of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 shows a disclosed blending and mixing machine within a cover, thecover assembly having LED lights 12. Top views of the canister cap andagitator rod assemblies 9 may be viewed on top of the machine.

FIG. 3 shows the case or cover 13 in general and not covering a machine.A pass through door is shown in use next to the human hand.

The case 13 for the dispenser machine is made of acrylic panel(Plexiglas) with LED lights at the bottom to create edge lighting effectall the way around perimeters of the cover.

FIG. 4 provides a perspective view of a vibrator and shaker machine 200,having a holding carriage 201 and a holding strap 202. The shakermachine vibrates in varied strokes in all three directions, x, y and z.The mixing movements are varied such that cosmetic material stays mixedfor over a year. The mixing movements mix material on the outside edgesof the container as well as the inside portions of the container.Distances traveled by the holding carriage vary from ⅛^(th) of an inchto ¾ of an inch.

FIG. 5A shows a perspective view of a peristaltic pump 354 manufacturedby Watson Marlow. Discovery of the correct pump 354 was found byunordinary and excessive experimentation. The pump features flow ratesfrom 30 μl/min to 30 ml/min and precision dispensing down to onemicroliter.

Liquid cosmetic products such as foundation, concealer, primer, tintedmoisturizer, etc. have tremendous air holes inside and very thick inviscosity, they do not come out or stop instantly when dispenser nozzlesare commanded to dispense and stop. We have tried regular dispenserssuch as stepper motors, auger screw dispensing, pinch valves, etc., butnone of them could accurately actuate start and stop of dispensingliquid cosmetic materials. So, we have spent many months and finallyfound “Peristaltic Pump” that is used in medical field as per theattached catalog from Watson Marlow. Peristaltic pumps work very well,but we also added additional feature to pull the last drop of thematerial back into the pump so it does not drop down after dispensing iscompleted. We have tried air puffing to blow off the last drop, but wehave seven separate material peristaltic pumps in our machine(Foundation Base, Concealer Base which we also use as White Blender,Black Blender, Red Blender, Yellow Blender, Thinner and MoisturizingAdditives), but we had to have independent air puffing for each nozzles,and this complicated so much. But pulling back the last drop into thepump works well. Key technique here is to give 2-3 seconds aftercompletion of dispensing to form the last drop which is to be pulledback into the pump.

Another advantage of using a peristaltic pump is that it keeps pullinginside material from canisters to nozzles even if the tube goes uphigher than the dispensing nozzle position without any additional ormechanical pushing or pulling devices, since the inside material iscontinuously connected from the canister to dispensing nozzle withoutany air break pocket.

Peristaltic pumps are used in very precise medical application for heartpump to deliver blood, and is very accurate and precise, and safe andlast for a long time. Peristaltic pumps are driven by miniature steppermotors.

Special tubes 375 are used and are recommended by the peristaltic pumpmanufacturer. Such tubes 375 neither break nor form permanent bentshapes. These tubes a last for a long time and keep their originalelasticity to bounce back after the pump rotor pinches the tube.

FIG. 5B shows a sectional plan view 352 of the inner workings of aperistaltic pump.

FIG. 5C shows a sectional and elevation view 353 of a peristaltic pump.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a container of mixed cosmetic product600 with a brand label.

FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 show reusable stainless steel precision dispensingneedles made by McMaster-Carr. The needles, 371, 372, 373 are consideredto be nozzles and are sometime called “Luer Lock Needles.” The needlesor nozzles may be considered to by triangular. The use of these needleswith the disclosed peristaltic pump has provided unexpected results andhas produced the first commercially viable custom color cosmeticblending and dispensing system.

The disclosed nozzle needles may be considered tapered. Due to extremelytiny nozzle hole size, straight needles created back pressure and madedispensing unsatisfactory. Triangle shaped nozzles minimized the backpressure and made efficient dispensing effective.

FIG. 10 is a hand held color spectrophotometer 300 sometimes used toacquire color composition information regarding a customer's skincoloration.

FIG. 11 is a webcam 302 which may be a high definition webcam sometimesused to acquire color composition information regarding a customer'sskin coloration. A webcam 302, smart phone or similar optic device maybe used to facilitate live video chat sessions wherein consumers consultwith system operators to achieve accurate skin scans. Consumers usingwebcams to present themselves to system operators may receive lightingand positioning instructions to improve the accuracy of webcam colorscans. Also, a user interface on the system side may allow a systemoperator to adjust webcam angles, focus, lighting and other variables.

FIG. 12 provides a schematic view of one contemplated flow chart ofoperations. A spectrophotometer 300 or webcam examines an area ofselected customer skin found upon a customer's face 400 or other bodypart. Several areas may be measured to find an average. Data from thespectrophotometer or other color measuring instrument is accepted into acomputer system 301. The computer system 301 may comprise a processor501, a specialized processor, a non-transitory computer readable medium500 containing machine readable instructions, memory, storage and othercomputer components. A main set of instructions may include a coloranalysis subroutine 504 or module that analyzes a customer's skin colorcomposition and creates machine readable instructions 505 to cause thecustom cosmetic mixing and dispensing machine 508 to mix the desiredcolors of cosmetic. The color analysis subroutine 504 accepts colorinformation and derives the proper amount of pigments, thinners, andadditives to dispense. The color analysis subroutine 504 also derivesproper values for product density, viscosity and other properties.

A customer module or customer subroutine 506 compiles customer personalinformation comprising color analysis, labels, identification cards andother items.

The machine readable instructions 505 for the firmware are transmittedto the dispensing machine 508. The dispensing machine or blendingmachine comprises a plurality of dispensing pumps, such as peristalticpumps 351 wherein pigment, thinner, additives and other materials arepumped into waiting containers filled with white base material. Theperistaltic pumps may be connected to needle nozzles 370 that directmaterial into a waiting container.

Dispenser driver software 505 and the dispenser machine firmware aredesigned to make adjustments after original color formulation anddispensing for features such as:

A. To make lighter shade in 3 different levels

B. To make darker shade in 3 different levels

C. To make more red shade in 3 different levels

D. To make more yellow shade in 3 different levels

E. To make more dry type or combination type

F. To make more sheer or medium coverage

The customer information module or subroutine 506 may transmit customerinformation into a network system 507 such that a database 450 ofcustomer information may be made available to other stores usingembodiments of the disclosed systems. The customer subroutine 506 mayalso be used with a label and/or ID card printer 509 to produce labelsfor containers and ID cards for customers to have for future reference.

FIG. 13 presents non-transitory non-signal computer readable medium 500containing machine readable instructions executed by a processor 501 orspecialized processor to run a main executable program 502. A generalspectrophotometer device 503 such as a webcam may collect colorcomposition data from a face 400 or other body part. The collected colorcomposition data is sent to a subroutine for color analysis 504 whereina mix of color and other instructions are derived.

The subroutine or program for color analysis 504 may create machinereadable instructions 505 suitable for execution by firmware executed bya processor found within a custom cosmetic blending machine 508.

A custom cosmetic blending machine 508 may add mixed cosmetic materialinto a container 510. A label 511 may be printed by a printer 509, theprinter accepting instructions from a subroutine 506 to manipulatecustomer data to generate information to print on a label and totransmit over a network 507.

A container with custom color mixed cosmetic with a label applied 512may be then further mixed by use of a vibrator and shaker machine. Sucha vibrator and shaker machine may be used before a label 511 is appliedto the container.

To ensure the highest levels of hygiene and sanitation, cosmeticproducts are not touched by human hands. Cosmetic products are insertedinto the canisters by use of squeezable plastic containers that aresecured to the top of the canisters. Thus, every effort is made to keepall bacteria and contaminates out of the disclosed systems and products.

In yet another embodiment, web cameras and other video acquisition toolsare used to communicate in real time with a customer. An operator of thesystem may speak with a customer to ask the customer to adjust lighting,camera angles, focus and other variables to obtain the best possibledata pertaining to human skin color.

On the system side, an operator of the system may adjust angle, focus,lighting, contrast and other controls. This remote camera or webcamembodiment saves customers time and money by not having to travel to astore front location.

FIG. 14 depicts a disclosed embodiment 700 sometimes using a sanitarytub. In this embodiment, a motor may rest in an area 790 below anelevator assembly 730. The elevator assembly 730 may adjust the heightof a platform 710, the platform sometimes used to support containers ofdifferent heights.

FIG. 15 depicts the alternative configuration 700 also shown in FIG. 14.In FIG. 15, sensors 740 are sometimes used to detect the height of acontainer so that the platform may be set to an appropriate height. Aloader 750 has directional movement as shown by the directional arrowsand sometimes moves the platform in and out to the elevator assembly.

While not shown, a small tub or container is sometimes placed upon theloader 750. The tub may contain stabilizing liquid to prevent thenozzles and other apertures of the needles and motors clear of driedfluid or other debris.

In embodiment 700, a sponge wheel is not used to moisten or cover thenozzles, but a tub, sometimes called a sanitary tub may contain water,and sometimes purified or filtered water in combination with alcohol tofill the open ends of nozzles and other orifices with the system is notin use.

Disclosed embodiments include the use of strainers and other filtersystems within the bottom portions of canisters. Such strainers are usedto protect the tubes, peristaltic pumps, needles, nozzles and othersystem components from fouling or otherwise being obstructed by driedfluid or other debris.

Disclosed embodiments include the use of heater and fan system sometimesused to keep the system at or above 68 degrees F. to maintain a fluidviscosity of all liquid materials.

Disclosed embodiments include the original formulation of color for eachcustomer and eschew the prior art penchant for using preprogrammed orpre-stored formulas. The fabrication of individual custom color formulashas achieved unexpectedly excellent results and represents a paradigmshift from the teaching of the prior art. Disclosed embodimentsrecognize that each individual's skin color is as unique as a person'sfingerprints or DNA. The disclosed systems are able to provideindividual color formulas and artfully dispense such formulas withenough nuance to make obsolete the pre-stored formula system of theprior art.

Disclosed embodiments obtain exceptionally accurate skin color readingsby reading just one area of human skin, as opposed to the prior artmethod of taking several samples and deriving a dissatisfying averagevalue.

Disclosed embodiments are not limited in nozzle shape with regard todispensing. Disclosed embodiments are not limited to specific downsizingto tubes and manifolds due to the various advantages of the disclosedembodiments.

Disclosed embodiments include the mixing of material along all threedirections of movement, X, Y & Z and includes variation of direction andspeed to achieve optimal mixing.

Disclosed embodiments eschew valueless pumps and collapsible pouches andfavor peristaltic pumps and replacement, cleanable and canisters.

FIG. 16 depicts bent needles 800. The angle of the needle depends on theneedle assembly unit's spacing, but the best mode known to date about 60degrees.

Bent needles may have a length is 20-25 mm with a length of 7-10 mm in avertical portion. The disclosed bent needle system 800 provides anadvantage in that bent needles will shoot or dispense all materialsstraight down to the bottom of a bottle. The bent needles allow for theuse of smaller receptacle containers and a tighter configuration ofmultiple needles.

Not all databases described herein are illustrated but are dulydisclosed. For example, a disclosed embodiment includes the use of adatabase of approximately 22,000 human skin colors, the database incommunication with the processor and the machine readable instructionsincluding instructions to measure customer skin color and then match themeasured skin color to the closest color in the database and thenindividually custom formulate and dispense the closest color.

Another database disclosed and described herein but not specificallyillustrated is a database of dispensing sequences sometimes used by theperistaltic pumps. The peristaltic pumps may dispense material invarious manners including dispensing all materials at once, dispensingmaterials in predefined group sequences, and dispensing materials fromeach peristaltic pump in seriatim in a predefined sequence.

Embodiments of the disclosed systems and methods include the followingitems.

Item 1. A system for producing custom color mixed cosmetics matching theskin coloration of a consumer 400, the system comprising:

a) non-transitory non-signal computer readable medium 500 containingmachine readable instructions;

b) a processor 501;

c) a main executable program 502 in communication with the processor501, the main executable program in communication with a firstsubroutine 504 for color analysis, the first subroutine in communicationwith a general spectrophotometer device 503;

d) a set of machine readable instructions 505 in communication withfirmware located upon a custom cosmetic blending machine 508, the set ofmachine readable instructions transmitted from the first color analysissubroutine 504, the machine readable instructions including color mixinginstructions communicated to a plurality of peristaltic pumps 350,

e) the peristaltic pumps connected to flexible tubing 375 and canisters376 connected to the flexible tubing;

f) a needle nozzle 371 attached to each of the peristaltic pumps;

g) the custom cosmetic blending machine 508 including one or moreautomatic balance level sensors 8, the sensors in communication with themain executable program 502;

h) the canisters 376 attached to canister cap; and

i) a second subroutine 506 manipulating customer data and generatingmachine readable data in communication with a printer 509 and incommunication with an electronic network 507.

Item 2. The system of item 1 wherein each needle nozzle 371 isconfigured to direct cosmetic material into one area within a container510.

Item 3. The system of item 2 including a vibrator an shaker machine 200having a holding carriage 201 and holding strap 202 and the vibrator andshaker machine moves the holding carriage in the x, y and z directionsin movements ranging from ⅛ of an inch to ¾ of an inch.

Item 4. The system of item 2 including a computer system 301 within thecustom cosmetic blending machine 508, the computer system incommunication with the firmware located upon the custom cosmeticblending machine.

Item 5. The system of item 1 wherein each needle nozzle is triangular inshape.

Item 6. The system of item 1 wherein the general spectrophotometerdevice 503 contains color composition data from two or more areas ofhuman skin.

Item 7. The system of item 1 further comprising a webcam electronicallyconnected to the electronic network.

Item 8. A method for producing custom color mixed cosmetics matching theskin coloration of a consumer 400, the method comprising the steps of:

a) using non-transitory non-signal computer readable medium 500containing machine readable instructions;

b) using a processor 501 to execute the machine readable instructions;

c) using a main executable program 502 in communication with theprocessor 501, the main executable program in communication with a firstsubroutine 504 for color analysis, the first subroutine in communicationwith a general spectrophotometer device 503;

d) using a set of machine readable instructions 505 in communicationwith firmware located upon a custom cosmetic blending machine 508, theset of machine readable instructions transmitted from the first coloranalysis subroutine 504, the machine readable instructions includingcolor mixing instructions communicated to a plurality of peristalticpumps 350,

e) using the peristaltic pumps connected to flexible tubing 375 andcanisters 376 connected to the flexible tubing;

f) using a needle nozzle 371 attached to each of the peristaltic pumps;

g) using the custom cosmetic blending machine 508 with one or moreautomatic balance level sensors 8, the sensors in communication with themain executable program 502;

h) using the canisters 376 attached to canister;

i) using a second subroutine 506 manipulating customer data andgenerating machine readable data in communication with a printer 509 andin communication with an electronic network 507.

Item 9. The method of item 8 wherein each needle nozzle 371 isconfigured to direct cosmetic material into one area within a container510.

Item 10. The method of item 9 using a vibrator and shaker machine 200having a holding carriage 201 and holding strap 202 and the vibrator andshaker machine moving holding carriage in the x, y and z directions inmovements ranging from ⅛ of an inch to ¾ of an inch.

Item 11. The method of item 9 using a computer system 301 within thecustom cosmetic blending machine 508, the computer system incommunication with the firmware located upon the custom cosmeticblending machine.

Item 12. The method of item 9 using needle nozzles triangular in shape.

Item 13. The method of item 9 using the general spectrophotometer device503 containing color composition data from two or more areas of humanskin.

Item 14. The method of item 9 using a webcam electronically connected tothe electronic network and using the webcam to communicate withconsumers.

Item 15. The method of item 14 using the webcam to instruct consumers toobtain scans of consumers' skin.

Item 16, the method of item 15 using interface controls to adjust theimages provided by the webcam.

Item 17. The method of item 16 using views obtained from the webcam as abasis of instructing consumers to make adjustments in presentation of aconsumer's face to a webcam.

Item 18. The method of item 16 using views obtained from the webcam as abasis of obtaining skin texture information.

Item 19. The method of item 18 wherein an amount of moisturizer materialis dispensed to match the skin texture information.

Item 20. The method of item 18 wherein an amount of thinner material isdispensed to match the skin texture information.

Item 21. A system comprising an elevator assembly, conveyor assembly,sanitary tub system and heating system.

Item 22. A method for producing custom color mixed cosmetics based upona custom formula obtained from a spectrometer reading and its customformulation software of a consumer's skin, the method comprising:

a) using non-transitory non-signal computer readable medium containingmachine readable instructions;

b) using a processor to execute the machine readable instructions;

c) using a main executable program in communication with the processor,the main executable program in communication with a first subroutine forcolor analysis, the first subroutine in communication with a generalspectrophotometer device;

d) using a set of machine readable instructions in communication withfirmware located upon a custom cosmetic blending machine, the set ofmachine readable instructions transmitted from the first color analysissubroutine, the machine readable instructions creating custom colormixing instructions based upon a skin color measurement obtained fromthe general spectrophotometer device, and the custom color mixinginstructions controlling a plurality of peristaltic pumps,e) using the peristaltic pumps connected to flexible tubing andcanisters connected to the flexible tubing;f) using a bent needle nozzle attached to each of the peristaltic pumpssuch that the bent needle nozzles direct fluid to a center section of aconsumer container;g) using the canisters attached to canister caps and using strainerswithin the canisters to prevent foreign material from entering the bentneedle nozzles;h) using a sanitary elevator and tub, the tub storing alcohol and thesanitary elevator raising the tub to contain the bent nozzle needleswhen the bent nozzle needles are not in use, the sanitary elevatorincluding a sensor measuring the height of the tub to position the tubat a correct elevation to store the bent nozzle needles within thealcohol; andi) using a heater, fan and thermal sensor to prevent the machine fromreaching a temperature below 67 F degrees.

Item 23. A system for producing custom color mixed cosmetics from acustom formula obtained from a spectrometer reading and its customformulation software of a consumer's skin, the system comprising:

a) non-transitory non-signal computer readable medium containing machinereadable instructions;

b) a processor;

c) a main executable program in communication with the processor, themain executable program in communication with a first subroutine forcolor analysis, the first subroutine in communication with a generalspectrophotometer device;

d) a set of machine readable instructions in communication with firmwarelocated upon a custom cosmetic blending machine, the set of machinereadable instructions transmitted from the first color analysissubroutine, the machine readable instructions creating custom colormixing instructions based upon a skin color measurement obtained fromthe general spectrophotometer device, and the custom color mixinginstructions controlling a plurality of peristaltic pumps,

e) the peristaltic pumps connected to flexible tubing and canistersconnected to the flexible tubing;

f) a bent needle nozzle attached to each of the peristaltic pumps suchthat the bent needle nozzles direct fluid to a center section of aconsumer container;

g) the canisters attached to canister caps, and the canisters havingstrainers to prevent foreign material from entering the bent needlenozzles;

h) a sanitary elevator and tub, the tub storing alcohol and the sanitaryelevator raising the tub to contain the bent nozzle needles when thebent nozzle needles are not in use, the sanitary elevator including asensor measuring the height of the tub to position the tub at a correctelevation to store the bent nozzle needles within the alcohol; andi) a heater and fan attached to a thermal sensor, the heater and fanpreventing the machine from reaching a temperature below 67 F degrees.

Item 24. The system from above including a vibrator and shaker machinehaving a holding carriage and holding strap and the vibrator and theshaker machine moves the holding carriage in the x, y and z directions.

Item 25. The system from above wherein each needle nozzle is triangularin shape.

Item 26. The system from above wherein the general spectrophotometerdevice contains color composition data from two or more areas of humanskin.

Item 27. The system from above further comprising a webcamelectronically in communication with the processor.

Item 28. The system from above including a database of approximately2,000 human skin colors, the database in communication with theprocessor and the machine readable instructions including interpolationinstructions to produce approximately 20,000 additional colors.

Item 29. The system from above including a database of approximately22,000 human skin colors, the database in communication with theprocessor and the machine readable instructions including instructionsto measure customer skin color and then match the measured skin color tothe closest color in the database and then individually custom formulateand dispense the closest color.

Item 30. The system from above wherein the canisters are of a cartridgeconfiguration, for one time use and wherein the canisters are notcollapsible.

Item 31. The system above wherein the machine readable instructionsinstruct the plurality of a plurality of peristaltic pumps to dispensematerial in a manner comprising the group of: dispensing all materialsat once, dispensing materials in predefined group sequences, anddispensing materials from each peristaltic pump in seriatim in apredefined sequence.

Item 32. A method for producing custom color mixed cosmetics based upona custom formula obtained from a spectrometer reading and its customformulation software of a consumer's skin the method comprising:

a) using non-transitory non-signal computer readable medium containingmachine readable instructions;

b) using a processor to execute the machine readable instructions;

c) using a main executable program in communication with the processor,the main executable program in communication with a first subroutine forcolor analysis, the first subroutine in communication with a generalspectrophotometer device;

d) using a set of machine readable instructions in communication withfirmware located upon a custom cosmetic blending machine, the set ofmachine readable instructions transmitted from the first color analysissubroutine, the machine readable instructions creating custom colormixing instructions based upon a skin color measurement obtained fromthe general spectrophotometer device, and the custom color mixinginstructions controlling a plurality of peristaltic pumps,e) using the peristaltic pumps connected to flexible tubing andcanisters connected to the flexible tubing;f) using a bent needle nozzle attached to each of the peristaltic pumpssuch that the bent needle nozzles direct fluid to a center section of aconsumer container;g) using the canisters attached to canister caps and using strainerswithin the canisters to prevent foreign material from entering the bentneedle nozzles;h) using a sanitary elevator and tub, the tub storing alcohol and thesanitary elevator raising the tub to contain the bent nozzle needleswhen the bent nozzle needles are not in use, the sanitary elevatorincluding a sensor measuring the height of the tub to position the tubat a correct elevation to store the bent nozzle needles within thealcohol; andi) using a heater, fan and thermal sensor to prevent the machine fromreaching a temperature below 67 F degrees.

Item 33. The method above wherein pouches are not used as canisters andthe canisters are of a cartridge configuration, for one time use andwherein the canisters are not collapsible and using a vibrator andshaker machine having a holding carriage and holding strap and thevibrator and shaker machine moving holding carriage in the x, y and zdirections.

Item 34. The method above using a computer system within the customcosmetic blending machine, the computer system in communication with thefirmware located upon the custom cosmetic blending machine.

Item 35. The method above using the general spectrophotometer devicecontaining color composition data from two or more areas of human skin.

Item 36. The method above using the general spectrophotometer device toobtain color composition data from only one area of human skin.

Item 37. The method above using views obtained from the spectrometerdevice as a basis of obtaining skin texture information.

Item 38. The method above using the general spectrophotometer to obtainconsumer data and using the machine readable instructions to analyze aconsumer's skin conditions such as hydration, aging, damage, UV damageand using the machine readable instructions to custom formulate aproduct such as a moisturizer, rejuvenating material, anti-agingmaterial, and UV damage repair material.

Item 39. The method above using a database of approximately 2,000 humanskin colors, the database in communication with the processor and themachine readable instructions including interpolation instructions toproduce approximately 20,000 additional colors.

Item 40. The method above using a database of approximately 22,000 humanskin colors, the database in communication with the processor and themachine readable instructions including instructions to measure customerskin color and then match the measured skin color to the closest colorin the database and then individually custom formulate and dispense theclosest color.

Item 41. The method above using canisters of a cartridge configuration,for one time use and wherein the canisters are not collapsible.

Item 42. The method above using machine readable instructions instructthe plurality of a plurality of peristaltic pumps to dispense materialin a manner comprising the group of: dispensing all materials at once,dispensing materials in predefined group sequences, and dispensingmaterials from each peristaltic pump in seriatim in a predefinedsequence.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for producing custom color mixedcosmetics from a custom formula obtained from a spectrometer reading andits custom formulation software of a consumer's skin, the systemcomprising: a) non-transitory non-signal computer readable mediumcontaining machine readable instructions; b) a processor; c) a mainexecutable program in communication with the processor, the mainexecutable program in communication with a first subroutine for coloranalysis, the first subroutine in communication with a generalspectrophotometer device; d) a set of machine readable instructions incommunication with firmware located upon a custom cosmetic blendingmachine, the set of machine readable instructions transmitted from thefirst color analysis subroutine, the machine readable instructionscreating custom color mixing instructions based upon a skin colormeasurement obtained from the general spectrophotometer device, and thecustom color mixing instructions controlling a plurality of peristalticpumps, e) the peristaltic pumps connected to flexible tubing andcanisters connected to the flexible tubing; f) a bent needle nozzleattached to each of the peristaltic pumps such that the bent needlenozzles direct fluid to a center section of a consumer container; g) thecanisters attached to canister caps, and the canisters having strainersto prevent foreign material from entering the bent needle nozzles; h) asanitary elevator and tub, the tub storing alcohol and the sanitaryelevator raising the tub to contain the bent nozzle needles when thebent nozzle needles are not in use, the sanitary elevator including asensor measuring the height of the tub to position the tub at a correctelevation to store the bent nozzle needles within the alcohol; and i) aheater and fan attached to a thermal sensor, the heater and fanpreventing the machine from reaching a temperature below 67 F degrees.2. The system of claim 1 including a vibrator and shaker machine havinga holding carriage and holding strap and the vibrator and the shakermachine moves the holding carriage in the x, y and z directions.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein each needle nozzle is triangular in shape. 4.The system of claim 1 wherein the general spectrophotometer devicecontains color composition data from two or more areas of human skin. 5.The system of claim 1 further comprising a webcam electronically incommunication with the processor.
 6. The system of claim 1 including adatabase of approximately 2,000 human skin colors, the database incommunication with the processor and the machine readable instructionsincluding interpolation instructions to produce approximately 20,000additional colors.
 7. The system of claim 1 including a database ofapproximately 22,000 human skin colors, the database in communicationwith the processor and the machine readable instructions includinginstructions to measure customer skin color and then match the measuredskin color to the closest color in the database and then individuallycustom formulate and dispense the closest color.
 8. The system of claim1 wherein the canisters are of a cartridge configuration, for one timeuse and wherein the canisters are not collapsible.
 9. The system ofclaim 1 wherein the machine readable instructions instruct the pluralityof a plurality of peristaltic pumps to dispense material in a mannercomprising the group of: dispensing all materials at once, dispensingmaterials in predefined group sequences, and dispensing materials fromeach peristaltic pump in seriatim in a predefined sequence.
 10. A methodfor producing custom color mixed cosmetics based upon a custom formulaobtained from a spectrometer reading and its custom formulation softwareof a consumer's skin the method comprising: a) using non-transitorynon-signal computer readable medium containing machine readableinstructions; b) using a processor to execute the machine readableinstructions; c) using a main executable program in communication withthe processor, the main executable program in communication with a firstsubroutine for color analysis, the first subroutine in communicationwith a general spectrophotometer device; d) using a set of machinereadable instructions in communication with firmware located upon acustom cosmetic blending machine, the set of machine readableinstructions transmitted from the first color analysis subroutine, themachine readable instructions creating custom color mixing instructionsbased upon a skin color measurement obtained from the generalspectrophotometer device, and the custom color mixing instructionscontrolling a plurality of peristaltic pumps, e) using the peristalticpumps connected to flexible tubing and canisters connected to theflexible tubing; f) using a bent needle nozzle attached to each of theperistaltic pumps such that the bent needle nozzles direct fluid to acenter section of a consumer container; g) using the canisters attachedto canister caps and using strainers within the canisters to preventforeign material from entering the bent needle nozzles; h) using asanitary elevator and tub, the tub storing alcohol and the sanitaryelevator raising the tub to contain the bent nozzle needles when thebent nozzle needles are not in use, the sanitary elevator including asensor measuring the height of the tub to position the tub at a correctelevation to store the bent nozzle needles within the alcohol; and i)using a heater, fan and thermal sensor to prevent the machine fromreaching a temperature below 67 F degrees.
 11. The method of claim 10wherein pouches are not used as canisters and the canisters are of acartridge configuration, for one time use and wherein the canisters arenot collapsible.
 12. The method of claim 10 using a computer systemwithin the custom cosmetic blending machine, the computer system incommunication with the firmware located upon the custom cosmeticblending machine.
 13. The method of claim 10 using the generalspectrophotometer device containing color composition data from two ormore areas of human skin.
 14. The method of claim 10 using the generalspectrophotometer device to obtain color composition data from only onearea of human skin.
 15. The method of claim 10 using views obtained fromthe spectrometer device as a basis of obtaining skin textureinformation.
 16. The method of claim 10 using webcam, camera or skinspecimen obtain consumer data and using the machine readableinstructions to analyze a consumer's skin conditions from the groupcomprising hydration, aging, damage, UV damage and using the machinereadable instructions to custom formulate a product such as amoisturizer, rejuvenating material, anti-aging material, and UV damagerepair material.
 17. The method of claim 10 using a database ofapproximately 2,000 human skin colors, the database in communicationwith the processor and the machine readable instructions includinginterpolation instructions to produce approximately 20,000 additionalcolors.
 18. The method of claim 10 using a database of approximately22,000 human skin colors, the database in communication with theprocessor and the machine readable instructions including instructionsto measure customer skin color and then match the measured skin color tothe closest color in the database and then individually custom formulateand dispense the closest color.
 19. The method of claim 10 usingcanisters of a cartridge configuration, for one time use and wherein thecanisters are not collapsible.
 20. The method of claim 10 using machinereadable instructions instruct the plurality of a plurality ofperistaltic pumps to dispense material in a manner comprising the groupof: dispensing all materials at once, dispensing materials in predefinedgroup sequences, and dispensing materials from each peristaltic pump inseriatim in a predefined sequence.